Integrating cultural services and social value: Novel directions for ecosystem service management, valuation, and complexity

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

2013

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Applied Biodiversity Sciences

Abstract

Traditional valuation methodologies tend to focus solely on the biophysical and economic dimensions of ecosystem services. It has been argued that “cultural” and “social” values of ecosystem services must also be incorporated in decision ‐ making to provide accurate valuations that reflect tangible and intangible dimensions of human ‐ environment interactions. Broader conceptions of valuation, though deemed important, have been difficult to operationalize due to incommensurable philosophical epistemologies. In this paper I argue that the biophysical and economic importance of services can be considered alongside the value and experiences ascribed to those services by stakeholders using a socioecological systems perspective. Ultimately, these arguments will help researchers and resource managers be better equipped to deal with the complex and pluralistic nature of ecosystem service management and provision.

Description

13 pg

Keywords

economics, human dimensions, interdisciplinary, pluralism, socioecological

Citation